Changes to the Annual Physical Examination
To our valued patients,
As of January 1. 2013 the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care will no longer fund annual physical examinations (“check-ups”) for those between the ages of 18 and 64 years. For those within this age group the Ministry will fund a new service called a comprehensive health review. The comprehensive health review is a more limited assessment of a person’s health status focusing on health screening and prevention strategies which have been proven to improve health and prevent illness. This includes a review of appropriate immunizations, and assessment of the requirement for screening strategies such as PAP tests and colonoscopies. It does not include a complete review of all systems of the body, nutritional concerns, etc. It does not include a complete head to toe physical assessment. The time allotted for this health review will be much less than for a traditional complete physical examination. The annual physical examination will continue to be funded for those aged 17 years and younger and those aged 65 years and older.
This change identifies a shift in the Ministry’s focus towards strategies with proven health benefits. It will mean a change in the services we will be able to provide for you, our patients. As this is a new way of providing preventative health services, please bear with us as we learn how to efficiently incorporate these changes into our practice.
